Crews are seen installing a lock-block wall at the slide on Highway 97 just north of Summerland, Sept. 5, 2023.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Province of BC
September 06, 2023 - 5:29 PM
Relief is coming for commuters in the Okanagan who rely on Highway 97.
The section of Highway 97 just north of Summerland is scheduled to reopen to single-lane alternating traffic by the weekend of Sept. 16, according to a Ministry of Transportation media release issued this evening, Sept. 6.
The vital Okanagan highway was closed to all traffic on Aug. 28, after a rockslide came crashing down.
The ministry says geotechnical engineers are monitoring the slide area and sensors show the slope continues to move. Due to the risk of more rock falling, the highway remains closed at this time.
Contractors built a lock-block wall over the Labour Day long weekend to protect the roadway from falling rocks and now crews are building a 150-metre berm between that wall and the bottom of the slope.
Once it’s in place, the ministry says it will be safe to reopen the highway.
“The timing of reopening is subject to the progress of berm construction and upon no substantial changes to movement of the slope,” the release reads.
The ministry recommends using Highways 97C, 5A and 33 as alternate routes.
There are also two unpaved forest service roads available that add at least 90 minutes of travel time.
If you’re driving from Penticton to Kelowna, the 201 Forest Service Road can be accessed from Highway 33 near McColloch Road southwest of Kelowna and via Fairview/Industrial/Dartmouth/Carmi avenues in Penticton.
Between Summerland and Peachland, the Trout Main to Peachland Forest Service Road can be accessed off Princeton Avenue in Peachland and Princeton Summerland Road in Summerland.
“Graders are working continuously, however, drivers will still experience some rough road conditions and should ensure their vehicles are properly equipped and fuelled or charged,” the release reads. “Cellphone coverage is limited throughout both routes. Drivers are also encouraged to plan trips during daylight and to drive with caution.”
For detour maps and more information about the highway’s closure go here.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander or call 250-309-5343 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.
News from © iNFOnews, 2023